Customer Reviews

G.I. Joe - Real American Hero/Revenge of the Cobra

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The 1980's were dominated by two children's cartoons, the Transformers and G.I. Joe. G.I. Joe "The Real American Hero" followed the adventures of an elite military force dedicated to protecting the world (and America) from the forces of evil (in the form of terrorist organization Cobra). In the midst of all this a TV series ran for several seasons in first run as well as re-runs and millions of toys were sold. Finally, after 20 years, the two original mini-series that began the Mania are finally released on DVD.

This two-disc set collects the first two G.I. Joe mini-series (5-parts each) that aired in the 1983 and 1984.

Disc 1: Mini-Series One - A Real American Hero (AKA "The Mass Device") (1983)

This is the story arc that introduced the world to the Joes and intros most of the main characters.

THE STORY: Cobra has stolen a device ("The Mass Device") that can automatically transport anything, anywhere. Can the Joes stop Cobra and the Mass Device from destroying the world?

Disc 2: Mini-Series Two - The Revenge of Cobra (AKA "The Weather Dominator") (1984)

This story arc sees Cobra returning to wreak more havoc than ever and introduces even more Joes and Cobra (Zartan and the Dreadnoks)

THE STORY: Cobra and Destro have built "The Weather Dominator," a device that gives them control over the weather and uses the forces of nature to destroy the world. But what happens when Cobra loses control over their own device? Can the Joes save the world before the world destroys itself?

THE COOL STUFF:

Easily the best feature of the DVD is the series itself. Not a bad deal where you get nearly 4 hours of action for the relative cheap price of the DVD.

THE CRITICISM:

Too bad there's no DVD extras, although from my understanding another set of these will be released with them (thus potentially negating the reason to purchase THIS set if you are into the extras).

THE VERDICT:

Well conventional wisdom says (if rumors hold true) to hold off on this set and get the deluxe set with the extras HOWEVER, this set is still a bargain at the relatively cheap price and may be the better purchase depending on the extras that come with the other (remember the ... extras on the Transformers movie DVD???).

Highly Recommended purchase (with or without the extras, for all fans)

This set is the perfect release for G.I. Joe fans and TV purists. As these were the first 10 episodes before the series started with actual seasons, it is the perfect way to release them. Now they can release season box sets, which, of course, would not include these episodes as they were not part of any season. I am not sure why people would have a problem with this. Don't wait for a season box set to get these episodes, because you can probably bet your jamies that this is the only way that these 10 episodes will be released, as they predate season one. Sorry to run that point into the ground, but some people seem to forget this fact while unjustly complaining about it.

I was also very excited that these were not cut into whole movies, but that the discs actually preserve the complete 10 episodes (including the end credits on each episode and even the "will return after these messages" bits!). While I rode home from buying this I worried breifly that they had cut them all together, but not for long, knowing well that Rhino (unlike many home-video companies that own cartoons) actually has respect for the people who made the cartoons and respect for the people who love them.

This DVD starts out with two great episodes.

In "A Real American Hero," the G.I. Joe team faces their greatest challenge ever. The ruthless, evil, terrorist organization named Cobra has developed a powerful device that allows them to turn objects into beams of energy and transport them anywhere in the world.

In the second feature "Revenge of the Cobra" Cobra commander steals a powerful device capable of changing the world's weather patterns, and uses it to launch an attack on Washington, D.C. Only the G.I. Joe team can stop him.

These two G.I. Joe movies are great and I cannot wait until more episodes from the series are released.

I was pleased to learn of this set coming out several months ago. I'd been picking up Rhino's Transformers box sets and couldn't have been more pleased to see that they were adding GI Joe to the mix.

This set contains the original two mini-series' of the show. The first one was aired in 1983 and the second one in 1984. GI Joe hadn't become a regular series until 1985, so these actually pre-date the daily afternoon series. Personally, I hadn't seen them since they had originally aired, as they were not part of the daily TV series rotation back then.

The restoration is great. Bright colors, no dirt that I can see on the film, and fantastic sound over our stereo system. I'm a little puzzled as to why the recaps of each episode, though, were not restored. You can see the difference. Perhaps the episode recaps were added at the last minute.

Some reviews complain about the series recaps, opening and closing credits, commercial bumpers, and so on, but I feel that they help add to the nostalgia of it all. That is the whole reason we are watching this stuff, right? I think it's the right way to go, as it just wouldn't feel right without them. Though it wouldn't hurt Rhino if they put an option in there to cut them out, for those who complain about them. For me, though, they are every bit as much of a part of it as the rest of the show.

Overall, I certainly recommend that any fan of this classic cartoon and toy line pick this one up. You'll enjoy it. Plus, if this sells well, the regular series boxed sets can't be far behind.

Thanks, Rhino, for bringing GI Joe and Transformers cartoons back to my television screen!

In today's comic book and toy/action figure industries, there has been a serious influx of 80's nostalgia. From Transformers and He-Man to Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, all those old favorites are back. Personally, the most enjoyable and satisfying has been the exceptional updating of Masters Of The Universe. G.I. Joe, however, didn't quite return to my favor despite being a major passion of mine as a child. The initial comic books released by Devil's Due were mediocre, as were the unimpressive paint and sculpts of the new Joe toys from Hasbro.

I remember being in the first grade and promising myself I would always buy toys, even when I got older. I could envision bookshelves proudly displaying, specifically, my G.I. Joe action figures. This double DVD set of the first two animated Joe miniseries brought me back to those wonder years and reminded me exactly why I made such a promise. It wasn't simply that toys just look cool and I'll always be a big kid at heart. It's also about the story and characterization (as complex as both may or may not be) of the likes of G.I. Joe. Lincoln Logs and Legos are a hoot, but they don't exactly have histories and personalities behind each and every piece, do they? The cartoons on this DVD re-introduce us to those glorious icons of Joe lore. Duke, Scarlett, Destro, Zartan and his Dreadnoks, Flint, Baroness, Roadblock, Cobra Commander, Spirit, Storm Shadow, and the perennially popular Snake-Eyes, among others, are all present and accounted for. While not much time is spent on in-depth characterization (which was to be found later in the ongoing animated series), every hero and villain of note gets off at least a couple of lines to establish their role and identify them seperately from other characters. In the 1980's, this worked well to help sell action figures. Today, it's a great re-primer. For example, I didn't recall Shipwreck being such an interesting character. In "The Revenge Of Cobra", Shipwreck comes into the story first as an outsider, a bit of a wild card/rogue, and alligns himself with G.I. Joe. At the age of 27 today, I previously only recalled him as just another face in the crowd dressed up like a member of the Village People. Now, 'wreck is one of my personal favorites. It's just one of the benefits of strolling down memory lane with this set.

As for the actual material on "G.I. Joe: Real American Hero/The Revenge Of Cobra", you get the two miniseries broken down into each individual chapter just as they aired on weekday afternoon television, complete with the opening/closing credits and commercial breaks (minus actual commercials, of course). The first miniseries stars the earliest Joe and Cobra characters (Duke, Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, Stalker, Cobra Commander, Destro, Major Blood, etc..), as the baddies craft something called the MASS device to wreak havoc on the world. The heroes scramble around the world to counteract Cobra, culminating in the first of many "final" battles at Cobra HQ. Significant sub-plots include Duke's romance with a female Cobra slave and Snake-Eyes being contamined by radiation, leading to his first encounter with his pet wolf, Timber. The second miniseries brings in more of the classic names (Flint, Lady Jaye, Roadblock, Spirit, the aforementioned Shipwreck, Storm Shadow), with Cobra returning to similiar methods as in the first mini, this time brandishing the "Weather Dominator". G.I. Joe once again chases them around the Earth to a new Cobra snake-hole. Sub-plots of note include Shipwreck's introduction, Roadblock teaming up with a truck-driving Southern belle while the prisoners of Cobra, and Spirit and Storm Shadow doing battle and earning each other's respect as warriors. From the first chapter of "Real American Hero" to the last of "The Revenge Of Cobra", this is a ride of purely guilty pleasure, heavily influenced by super-hero comics, classic sci-fi and adventure serials, and of course, military intrigue. Hokey, unrealistic military intrigue, but still a blast, nonetheless.

While it may be a tad disappointing for DVD's to be released minus any extras, considering extras are one of the main selling points of DVD's and helped to push them ahead of VHS, this is one instance where it's nearly completely forgivable. The cartoons are remastered, looking and sounding like brand new. The fact that they are presented in their original format, with the credits and breaks, further helps to complete the trip back in time. I'm sure not everyone will have the same experience as I did with G.I. Joe: Real American Hero/The Revenge Of Cobra. You really need to be a child of the 80's to have a true understanding and appreciation of it. However, it can still be entertaining for anyone, old and new fans alike. If the current Joe toys and comics don't do it for you (which, honestly, are starting to shape up a bit, after their first re-launch), this DVD set should most assuredly do the trick.

Well it's about time. It's hard to believe it was 20 years ago in 1983 that the first two GI Joe movies aired. That's right. 'The Mass Device' and 'Revenge of Cobra' all aired before the TV show, so now you can relieve how it all began. How Destro met Cobra Cammander and how Shipwreck joined the Joes. Sorry to say these are presented as 10 half hour episodes, not as the movies they were intended. But GI Joe fans will love it anyway.

For those of you new to the GI Joe theme, considering getting this for your kids, thet're in for a real treat. Unlike Disney films with plotless plots and characterless characters, GI Joe presents a serious conflict between good and evil, with heroes you can love and villians you can love even more.

The story focuses on a commi/nazi terrorist group, Cobra, and the brave men in uniform dedicated to defending American freedom. Based on Larry Hama's best selling comic book.

Please buy this DVD. If it sells well we can hope for them to release the other GI Joe movies, 'Pyramid of Darkness', Arise Serpentor Arise', and 'Operation Dragonfire.'

i remember as a kid watching the miniseries with such glee and astonishment, the opening was sooo cool especially the part where stalker grabs the bomb from cobra and shoots it while airborne via J.U.M.P. pack. the animation was top notch except for the last epidsode (stake in the serpent's heart) i guess the japenese animators had to make that deadline. lol

sure no one got shot, sunbow/marvel had to follow the FCC's rules of standards and practice(although there is a scene where a cobra trooper falls off a cliff in the second epidsode.) more like one of the first 30 minute commercials promoting the awesome toys at the time. ..

too bad the series was cancelled after 2 seasons, and the MOVIE did nothing to save the series,it probably was the nail in the coffin..the DVD is bare bones meaning no extras, they (rhino) shouldv'e at least put those classic animated comic book commercials in between each epidsodes, GIJOE spots and tv series had the coolest jingles. a underground punk band the minibosses did a cool cover based on gi joe's all too familiar theme. and it rocks!!!

G.I. Joe's first two miniseries, A Real American Hero and The Revenge of Cobra, are two of the more memorable adventures of G.I. Joe, but (like just about every Sunbow miniseries) was edited when it came to home video in the 80s. Recaps and previews were removed, scenes were edited, and the ends to some scenes re-edited. Rhino has again done an excellent job, as these episodes look and sound better than ever. The A Real American Hero miniseries (commonly referred to as The MASS Device by fans) looks particularly good now, as opposed to the almost disgusting quality of the original broadcast master. The only real complaint to be had is that there are no extras, but it was made fairly clear that a set with extras would be available later on. So, if you're impatient, or want to save a few bucks, you'll never want another copy of these episodes again.

"They will fight for freedom whenever there's trouble, G.I. Joe is there. G.I. Joe!! Great American Hero. G.I. Joe is there".

With the beginning of these simple lyrics my Saturday mornings were never the same. I would rush to the television with my box of Frosted Flakes and pensively wait until I would see the blue of Cobra's shirts. Excitement would build, and I would be ready for the most engaging, most entertaining, most spectacular cartoon of the 80s. While some would follow as being "great" shows as well, G.I. Joe was the one that took the cake for young me. I would sing the songs, play with my figurines, and imagine that Cobra was crawling through my backyard ready to be attacked at any moment by my band of American rebels.

Ahhh, that was the life. Years later and I dare say "years" later, I found this series on Amazon, and I had to immediately purchase the set. To begin with, it came with an action figure, and my inner-child was already screaming on the floor begging my wife to buy it for me. When I got it home, I nervously opened the box, unsure as to what other memories of my childhood may escape the vault, I prepared for a cheap version of my childhood delight. To my surprise, it was outstanding. This is a great buy for anyone that remembers this program as well as I did growing up.

To begin, the transfer is outstanding. The sound is beautiful and it nearly felt as if those pesky gun-lasers were firing out of my television. It even includes (which some may find annoying) the original commercial breaks, which I only found more nostalgic. The two five-part "films" represented some of my favorite moments of G.I. Joe history. For those of you unfamiliar with the essentials of G.I. Joe, I have compiled a small list that will not only help you as you gather more about this program, but also as you buy this series.

1) There is a G.I. Joe named "Snowjob".

2) Cobra's weaponry never pierces the Joe's machines, yet only one shot from the G.I. Joes can send a Cobra vehicle into a million pieces.

3) More weaponry is used in one episode than the entire Iraq conflict

4) Destro's head will not rust, even in the rain.

5) Cobra is one of the most brilliant terrorist organizations around. Their knowledge of science is impeccable and should be studied more often in the college setting. The G.I. Joes do not have such smarts, but they can surely beat up the Cobra plan in a heartbeat.

6) Cobra infantry do not know how to aim.

7) No laser-bullet is wasted by a G.I. Joe.

8) Yes, there is a three way going on between Destro, Major Blood, and the Baroness (and later possibly Dr. Mindbender).

9) Every time (without question) the G.I. Joes do something good, they have to shout "YOOO JOE" no matter how many good things they hear in a matter of minutes.

10) I repeat, there is a G.I. Joe named "Snowjob" (Is anyone else laughing hysterically?)

Overall, this was a beautiful series that finally got the respect that it deserved. Thank you RINO for releasing this amazing package and for the products that you continually revitalize. G.I. Joe was a life-altering series, and I cannot wait to get my hands on more!

Grade: ***** out of *****

The only thing I don't understand is why it's called "Revenge of Cobra" when it techincally starts or rather introduces the terrorist organization, Cobra. Eh, it doesn't matter either way. It's a great cartoon. Hint: Parents, if you want your children to be patriotic without boring them, get them this. They'll love it.